Recently I was given an opportunity to be a part of an animal shelter situated in my locality. Since I have always been very passionate about animals, especially dogs I was excited to be a part of this institution. This animal shelter just like any other animal shelter captures all sorts of injured, needy or disease infected animals right from birds to dogs to cows and goats and provides them with a safe space.
Here are the following learning outcomes met while conducting this CAS activity.
LO 1- Identify own strengths and develop areas of growth.
It is important to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses before beginning any CAS activity so that one’s strengths can be incorporated into the activity effectively and strategies could be made to overcome weaknesses. One of the main strength that I possessed was being comfortable around animals. And possessing this strength was important to tackle the rescued animals although I was not involved in any of the medical processes I played an active role in the post medical process, for example, giving them time to time necessary medication or making sure that they are given meals in appropriate quantity and ensuring that proper hygiene and sanitation is maintained in their shelters. Since I have grown up being surrounded by animals I could understand the signals shown by them in a finer way. I was also able to judge their mood and behavior better which helped in forming a good with the animal and it also enabled me to understand their needs. I have been visiting this animal shelter frequently I was familiar with their staff as well their medical faculty because of which I could communicate with them easily and even they were comfortable with working around me.
LO 2- Demonstrate challenge have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
With so many submissions coming up I could only devote a limited time at the shelter which sometimes led to some of my duties like making a report of animals health progress incomplete. So I decided to make monthly planner in which I asked my supervisor at the shelter to set deadlines for me, having set deadlines helped to maintain focus on the given task and it also motivated me to complete my work on time. Even though I had a lot of IA submissions I would manage time by cutting on my free time or by completing my IAs before the deadlines so that I can spend enough time at the shelter. This helped me in developing time management skill. Some of the animals rescued used to be in the terrible state and seeing them was a challenge itself however with time I got used to it. Since I was just a volunteer I didn’t have much authority in terms of making a decision for the shelter or for the animal. Even though I was not okay with certain things, for example, the hygiene level of the space all I could do is report to my supervisor. This left me frustrated but I still tried my best to make the state of the place better by constantly communicating the problems to the supervisor.
LO 4– Show commitment and Perseverance.
It was important to stay committed to this activity to get the most out of it. Because of the challenges mentioned above especially seeing the animals in a terrible state was getting more and more difficult for me because it left me disturbed however with the aim of serving animals and improving their condition I kept on going further helping me to achieve my aim.
All in All, it was a wonderful experience.
